Apple’s much-anticipated iPad mini is expected to make its debut in mid-October, but it may be a little more difficult to get hold of than other iOS devices. According to sources in the Cupertino company’s Taiwanese supply chain, iPad mini shipments are already stumbling due to the low yield rates of the tablet’s aluminum chassis.

DigiTimes reports:

Along with the latest market rumors indicating that Apple is likely to unveil the much speculated iPad mini on October 17, sources in Apple’s supply chain in Taiwan are also indicating that shipments of the iPad mini tablets are not smooth at the moment due to low yield rates at chassis makers.

Case makers Foxconn Electronics, Catcher Technology and Ri-Teng Computer Accessory are responsible for production of the iPad mini chassis, the sources indicated. Ri-Teng is an associate company of Pegatron.

Catcher reportedly declined to comment on the rumor, but it did say that its yield rates for “various products” are all meeting its product roadmap. In other words, if it really is making iPad mini shells, then it’s making just as many as Apple ordered.

Of course, this is a DigiTimes report, and their track record has been nothing short of terrible recently. So it’s best to take this with a pinch of salt. No matter how many iPad minis are produced between now and the device’s launch, they’re going to sell like hot cakes and become unavailable for weeks, so it will always seem like Apple couldn’t make enough.

The iPad mini is expected to sport a 7.85-inch display, and could be available in silver and black, just like the iPhone 5. A recent report claimed that invitations to Apple’s press event will go out on October 10.